Ford and Magna Team Up to Make Experimental Carbon Fiber Subframes

Even in cars with carbon fiber-intensive construction, subframes are typically made out of traditional metals. That could change soon, thanks to a partnership between Ford and automotive supplier Magna. The two companies are working on a carbon fiber front subframe that could use the exotic material reduce weight and improve rigidity in everyday cars.

Magna says its carbon fiber subframe, composed of two molded pieces and four metal components, does the job of a traditional unit made from 45 pieces of steel. The carbon subframe weighs 34 percent less than its steel counterpart, Magna claims.

The carbon-fiber unit passes all of Magna's computerized engineering tests, but prototype units have been sent to Ford for additional development. Currently, the subframe's corrosion, stone chipping, and bolt load retention properties are being analyzed in real-world torture tests.

If this type of equipment ever ends up in production cars, it would bring significant weight reduction, boosting fuel efficiency and performance. Right now, carbon fiber production is more labor-intensive and expensive than traditional metal stamping, but Ford, Magna, and plenty of others are scrambling to find ways to use the lightweight, strong material in mass-market applications. Magna has already gotten some worthwhile experience in carbon fiber manufacturing, having supplied carbon fiber hoods for the Cadillac ATS-V and CTS-V, and the carbon fiber grille opening reinforcement for the Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500.

In any case, this is an interesting (if nerdy) preview of the future of car engineering.

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